This falls marks the second year since I first set foot on what would later become my new home. Although I've only been here a little less than a month, I've already learned so much, in my classes and my experiences outside of classes. Here are sixteen things I've already learned as a Stonehill freshman in my short time here on campus.
1. 99% of my tuition money is spent on the sprinklers.
It doesn't matter if it's one in the morning, or midday, the sprinklers always seem to be on, regardless of wether it rained the day before. Those water bills add up, but Donahue in the spring and the summer does look beautiful.
2. Professors actually care about you and your education.
Before college I was told that professors don't care if you come to class or not, but I've found it to be exactly the opposite. They offer office hours, T.A. sessions, and appointments so that you are able to perform your best, and ace all of your assignments. They're willing to work with you if you put the time in!
3. There is always something to do.
Wether it be a resource fair, a carnival near McPhaidin, Hillapalooza, or even checking your mail, you always find yourself busy. It hardly seems like you ever leave campus.
4. Joining clubs are the quickest ways to meet friends.
It's easy to bond over your love of Spanish with someone, or to meet up with people to write articles for the paper. Sharing common interests with people is the start of a great friendship!
5. Chicken Wrap Thursday is pretty lit.
There is nothing more satisfying after a long morning or afternoon of classes. And if you want one for dinner, you simply have to head down to The Hill.
6. Living in "The Sem" was one of the best things to happen to me.
No other dorm gets their own haunted house, semi formal, and is closer to CVS! These past three weeks have allowed me to become so close with great people so quickly, and you always have your doors open to say hello. I dread the day I have to move out of "The Sem". 
7.You don't meet one person you don't like.
Everyone from Father John to the staff that keep our campus manicured and maintained is nothing but kind. There isn't a day you walk down the quad without a hello from one person or another. Everyone is so friendly and you can't help but get infected.
8. Getting snail mail is cool again.
Getting an actual letter from someone is cool again! Who would have thought?
9. Sunday Mass is the place to be.
Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by their friends, classmates, and the most welcoming friendly ministry on campus? Mass is a beautiful service in the beautiful Chapel of Mary.
10. The campus is so pretty, you almost don't mind the fifteen minute walk from "The Sem" to Roche.
With a view like Donahue at one end of the campus, and countless other gorgeous buildings, It's hard to complain about the walk to Duffy.
11. Even though classes have already gotten pretty busy and intense, you can't help but feel so fortunate to be able to attend this school.
Only about 1% of the world currently has a college education, and you're part of the lucky 1% who get that opportunity.
12. The amount of pride you have as a Skyhawk does not compare to any other school.
Even the sprinkles at Daddy's Dairy show how much pride you have. #HillYeah
13. Upperclassmen friends are some of the most kind and helpful people :)
It doesn't matter what year you are, Upperclassmen will treat you no different than anyone else on campus. They can help you with any simple questions, and give you great advice on how to make Stonehill your new home.
14. You get to discover new music.
Between Hillapalooza, Thursday night's at The Hill, and many other events to come in the future it's impossible not to find a new music genre or band that you like.
15. Friday Nights are varied.
You can do something as crazy and wild as partying at the courts, or you got do something as crazy playing Bingo with the rest of the school to win that Apple TV you desperately want.
16. Most importantly, once you meet some people you like, you realize that they're here to stay.
There's a feeling I can only describe as a premonition that I get when meeting new people. Sometimes it's very easy to tell who you'll become good friends with, and sometimes it's harder to read people. The people that are harder to read are the ones who will be there to stick around.
I can't wait for an amazing rest of the year at my new home. Can I get a hill yeah?
